Three women survive Grand Canyon flood after clinging to rock ledge for hours
Three women survived a flash flood in the Grand Canyon by clinging to a rock ledge for five hours after being separated by rising waters. They were eventually rescued by a helicopter after a monsoon storm caused dangerous conditions.
Why it matters
Serves as a cautionary tale regarding the unpredictable nature of flash floods in desert environments and the importance of emergency preparedness.
A routine hike through the Grand Canyon turned into a fight for survival when a sudden flash flood sent torrents of muddy water, rocks and debris through the canyon. Three women found themselves trapped during the storm and spent about five hours clinging to a rock ledge, uncertain whether they would make it out alive. At one point, they were separated from one another and each feared the others had been swept away by the floodwaters. According to 98 Rock Online, the survivors were sisters Jessica Buscher and Melanie McGuirk and their friend Katie Brink. The flood struck at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, forcing them to take shelter on a ledge and hold on as water and debris moved through the canyon.
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